By Kiah Collier |
December 13, 2012

Smisek, who led Houston-based Continental Airlines before it merged with Chicago-based United Airlines in 2010, will replace Glenn Tilton, former president, chairman and CEO of United's old parent company who had served as board chairman since the merger.

The timing of the change in leadership was dictated in the merger agreement, United Continental Holdings said in a news release.

"I want to thank Glenn Tilton for his many years of service to United Airlines," Smisek said in the statement. "Under Glenn's leadership, United became a strong competitor and sought-after partner."

The world's largest airline by traffic also announced a restructuring of senior managmeent "as the airline shifts to its post-integration phase," according to the release.

As part of that shuffle, Jim Compton, formerly vice president and chief revenue officer, will become vice chairman and chief revenue officer and the purview of Executive Vice President Jeff Foland will expand to include "the airline's marketing and loyalty, technology, strategy and customer experience groups," including marketing, technology and strategy.